Legislative findings

A. The Legislature recognizes that:

1. Childhood obesity poses a major risk to the health and

future of Oklahoma’s children, and this challenge must be addressed

through a comprehensive approach that includes parents, schools,

child care providers, community- and faith-based organizations,

health care professionals, civic leaders and many others; and

2. Evidence-based nutrition education and increased physical

activity are well-established means of addressing the problem, but

not all Oklahoma families are able to take advantage of

opportunities to provide these benefits for their children.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 63. Public Health and Safety Page 253

B. It is the intent of the State Legislature that support shall

be provided to established afterschool programs to fully integrate

evidence-based obesity prevention and reduction curriculum that

includes structured opportunities for increasing physical activity

and promoting healthy eating and nutrition habits.

C. A successful Quality Afterschool Opportunities Initiative

will require the resources, expertise and collaboration of a variety

of state agencies, including the State Department of Health, the

State Department of Education and the Department of Human Services,

with advice and guidance from a statewide nonprofit afterschool

network.